LANCASTER – The City of Lancaster will spend an additional $534,274 on animal care and control for the 2023-24 fiscal year due to increased costs for kennels and field services operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.
The City Council approved the budget adjustment at its meeting on Tuesday. The council voted 4-0 in favor, with Mayor R. Rex Parris absent and no discussion. The item was part of the agenda. It was not brought up for discussion.
The budget for animal care and control in fiscal year 2023-24 was about $2.16 million. The additional $534,274 brings the new rate to about $2.7 million. The cost includes $2.09 million for kenneling dogs and cats. The rate is about $515 per seizure per 4,070 cats and dogs. Field services cost the city $373,700 last year.
“All animal control service contract costs are reviewed and approved by the City Council as part of the development and adoption of the city budget,” said a staff report from Police Chief Rodrick Armalin.
The council entered into an annual municipal services contract with Los Angeles County in July 2019 for animal control services provided by the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control. That contract expired on June 30, the report said.
The city’s kennel fees will increase by about 35.32% this year over last year. The estimated budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year is about $3.48 million, according to a county estimate. This includes about $2.83 million for kenneling cats and dogs, which is about $697 per impoundment. Field services will increase to an estimated $385,760 in the current fiscal year.
Last summer, the Lancaster and Palmdale city councils held a joint meeting with Councilwoman Kathryn Barger to discuss several items of mutual interest, including the rising costs of animal care and control.
